The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is launching its annual campaign this month to ensure that everyone in in SE Michigan has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“Throughout SE Michigan, countless people know the “the Y”. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think, said Reid Thebault, President and CEO, of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”

The annual campaign raises funds for child care, community service opportunities, camp scholarships, membership, program assistance, and teen leadership development — ensuring everyone has an opportunity to benefit from YMCA programs, regardless of their ability to pay.

The need is expected to be greater than ever in 2014. The YMCA’s 2014 goal is to raise $1.3 million in donations from community leaders, members, foundations and businesses. 100 percent of donations will be used to fund programs at every branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

“Our goal this year is 1.3 million dollars,” said Thebault. “With those funds, the Annual Campaign will allow more kids to participate in the Y’s summer, overnight and day camps plus sports, arts and educational programs. And help families access our many other programs.”

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Susan Walters Klenke, Annual Campaign Director, at (313) 309-9622 ext. 3070 or sklenke@ymcadetroit.org

“The YMCA Annual Campaign ensures that everyone can be a part of the YMCA,” said Susan Walters Klenke, Annual Campaign Director. “It focuses on raising much-needed financial support for deserving children, teens and families who are unable to afford the full cost of participating in a YMCA program or activity.”

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Throughout Metro Detroit, Y's engage more than 300,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in communities throughout Metro Detroit, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For more information go to www.ymcadetroit.org or contact Chad Creekmore at (313) 223-2487.